Swine Flu Alert: Two SAP India Bengaluru employees tested positive for H1N1 virus offices closed in 3 cities

All offices of SAP India in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai were closed for comprehensive sanitation. With two cases of H1N1 confirmed from German software giant SAP India's Bengaluru office, the company advised its employees to work from home from February 20 to February 28, in an internal communication. SAP India's office in Bengaluru is located at RMZ Ecoworld at the Sarjapur-Marathahalli Outer Ring Road.

It should be noted that SAP Labs India, the R&D arm of the company which also has an office in RMZ Ecoworld, was not closed. A bulk of SAP's Indian employees are part of SAP Labs. Confirming the internal note to TNM, SAP said in a statement that two Bengaluru-based SAP India employees (RMZ Ecoworld office) had tested the H1N1 virus as positive. Confirming the internal note to TNM, SAP said in a statement that two Bengaluru-based employees of SAP India (RMZ Ecoworld office) had tested the H1N1 virus-positive.

"A Clear contact monitoring that may have come into contact with the contaminated colleagues is underway. The health of our employees and their families is paramount, as a precautionary measure, all the offices of SAP India in Bangalore, Gurgaon and Mumbai have been closed for comprehensive sanitation, and all SAP staff located there were asked to work from home until further notice, "the company said in a statement.

SAP told its staff that the situation is being closely monitored and that its office building will be thoroughly sanitised and fumigated as a remedial measure in the next two days.

"If any of you or your family members have any cold symptoms, please seek medical advice about cough and fever. Your empathy and support in this situation is highly appreciated... Our employees ' wellbeing is our priority, and it is important that we provide the current information and guidance to help limit the spread of the H1N1 virus," the internal note also said.

India was largely affected by H1N1 (Swine Flu) in 2016 where it confirmed more than 42,592 cases. In February 20 people have tested positive for H1N1 in Hyderabad, according to sources. Some people who have come back from China have initially been screened for coronavirus.

H1N1 (swine flu) is caused by an influenza A mutation and was previously said to have been transmitted from pigs to humans. Swine flu symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, headache, nausea and vomiting. Chills and intense myalgia (fatigue) can also occur in people.

H1N1 or swine flu, is a form of flu that causes fever, cough, cold, and other regular flu symptoms. It is a zoonotic disease which means this originated from animals (in this case pigs) but has now spread to humans. In April 2009 the first cases of H1N1 in humans were identified in the US. It is viral, and can spread from individual to individual. A vaccine is available against the flu which the WHO has now declared to be a seasonal flu.

The best way to protect yourself is to steer clear of anyone who may be sick and to take proper hygiene measures for coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands with soap and water daily, thoroughly. It is important to note that swine flu is not transmitted by eating suitably cooked pork.